Lotus wants to build an SUV in China by 2019

The last time Lotus took a crack at building something resembling an SUV was with the APX concept, which debuted at the 2006 Geneva Motor Show.

Handout, Lotus

by
Nick Tragianis | April 28, 2015

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Nearly every automaker seems to be cashing in on the luxury crossover race – at least, wants to – and British automaker Lotus isn’t an exception.

According to Piston Heads, Lotus CEO Jean-Marc Gales says although it’s a crossover, the vehicle will be true to Lotus’ performance-oriented DNA.

“All SUVs are big and fairly heavy,” he said. “We want to build a car that is lighter and faster – a true Lotus.”

The last time we saw Lotus dabble with something remotely close to an SUV was at the 2006 Geneva Motor Show, where the automaker unveiled the APX concept. We haven’t seen a completely-new Lotus since the Evora, Gales says the SUV will be based on a new platform made up on steel and aluminum. With the Porsche Macan as a benchmark, Lotus hopes the SUV will weigh in anywhere between 1,500 and 1,600 kilograms.

Like the Elise and Evora, Lotus’ SUV will likely be powered by a Toyota-sourced engine, either a supercharged 1.8-litre four-cylinder or a 3.5-litre V6. Gales says some form of electrification is also possible.

The SUV will be manufactured in China under a joint-venture between Lotus, Proton and Goldstar, a local Chinese bus manufacturer, but the design and engineering process will take place in Europe.